80s rock legends Journey split as legal battle erupts over use of band’s valuable name
EIGHTIES rock legends Journey have split as a legal battle erupts over the use of the band's valuable name.
Lead guitarist and founding member Neal Schon has kicked out bassist Russ Valory and drummer Steve Smith after the pair allegedly attempted to take the band's name.
According to court documents obtained by TMZ, they tried to seize control of the band's corporation, Nightmare Productions, Inc.
The documents reportedly say Neal and keyboard player Jonathan Cain are now suing their former bandmates for breach of fiduciary duty, as well as damages of at least $10 million.
The gossip site reports the lawsuit says, "Russ and Steve allegedly thought the move would give them access to the 'Journey' name, thereby allowing them to make millions for themselves after retiring."
However, the court documents say the band name is already licensed to another corporation called Elmo, set up by former lead singer Steve Perry, Neal and Jonathan in 1985.
Schon and Cain worked out a deal with Perry to use the Journey name after his departure in 1998.
Their attorney, Skip Miller, told Rolling Stone: "The contracts are clear on their face. The Journey name is controlled by Neal Schon and Jonathan Cain.
"And for very good cause, they don't want to perform with Smith or Valory anymore, they don't want to have anything to do with them, and that's their right."
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He confirmed the two founding members are "going to go on with Journey".
According to the docs, the plan would be to increase the three-person board of Nightmare Productions, Inc. to six members, off-setting the power balance and allow Smith to become president in Cain's place.
Schon and Cain said in court docs that Smith and Valory "drove a dagger between band members" and "placed their own green before the interests of the band, sowing discontent and discord, jeopardizing the future of Journey".
Journey is known for songs like Don't Stop Believin', Open Arms and Separate Ways.
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